Russia wants to take control of narrative in peace talks - expert

RIGA - Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's tactics in announcing a unilateral ceasefire are aimed at taking control of the narrative that he and Russia want to reach some kind of agreement or truce, Maris Andzans, associate professor at Riga Stradins University and Director of the Center for Geopolitical Studies, told LETA.

The expert assessed that Russia is "playing this game successfully", especially at a time when Ukraine is finding it difficult to confront the Russian propaganda machine, because it is Russia that is attacking Ukraine, so it has a say on when and for how long to cease fire.

In his view, Putin's proposed ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8 to 10 is a response to threats by US President Donald Trump and his administration to withdraw from the peace talks or to increase sanctions against Russia.

He points out that the context is very important on this issue, as the US is pushing very hard for a ceasefire. So far, Putin has also only moved only after Trump's threats or tough rhetoric, Andzans said.

Putin never gives everything at once, but only part, and this is part of his tactics, the expert said. For example, in the past there was a supposed agreement against strikes on energy facilities and objects in the Black Sea. Later, there was a 30-hour ceasefire, and now there is a three-day ceasefire.

The political analyst also added that the funeral of Pope Francis offered Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky an opportunity to meet with Trump, and this opportunity was seized. The Pope's funeral also led Trump to go directly to Europe on his first foreign visit, which is significant because until now it had been reported that Trump might choose Saudi Arabia as his first foreign visit, as he did in 2017, explained Andzans.

The AFP news agency reports that Putin on Monday ordered a three-day truce with Ukraine to coincide with Moscow's World War II commemorations next month that his Ukrainian rival slammed as an "attempt at manipulation".

Before Putin's announcement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held new talks with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, having declared that this will be a crucial week in a US decision on whether to halt its peace efforts.

The Kremlin said Putin had ordered a "ceasefire" for the 80th anniversary of Victory Day from May 8 to May 10. "All combat operations will be suspended during this period," it said in a statement.

The Kremlin said the halt to fighting would be for humanitarian reasons, as well as the anniversary, and that it expected Kyiv to issue a similar order.

Putin also ordered a ceasefire for Easter, when each side accused the other of mass violations though it did lead to a temporary reduction in fighting.

Ukraine has demanded an immediate ceasefire lasting at least 30 days and Zelensky said in his daily address to the nation: "Now there's a new attempt at manipulation: for some reason, everyone has to wait until May 8."

"If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately. Why wait until May 8th?" Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga wrote on X.

The White House said Monday that US President Donald Trump wants "a permanent ceasefire" and is becoming "increasingly frustrated" with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine.

After a meeting with Zelensky at Pope Francis's funeral on Saturday, Trump questioned whether the Russian leader was serious about peace.

"There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days. It makes me think that maybe he doesn't want to stop the war, he's just tapping me along," said Trump, who has also had clashes with Ukrainian leader.